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Thread: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

  1. #1

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    Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    Folks, I need either a set of replacement springs off a trashed back, or clear instructions for manufacturing a replacement out of what-have-you. I've been told to make them out rake tines, and supposedly they can be done out of stiff wire. I would prefer to replace them with OEM springs, but doubt there's a source. Please correct me if I'm wrong on that.

    This might better belong in the FS/FT/Wanted forum. Mod, please move if that's the determination.

    Thanks,
    Craig

  2. #2
    Greg Lockrey's Avatar
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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    Making your springs from rake tines sounds like a good idea, just don't use those cheap plastic Chinese rakes, but good American steel rakes. Actually, banding steel is probably a better grade of steel for your purpose.
    Greg Lockrey

    Wealth is a state of mind.
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  3. #3
    Greg Lockrey's Avatar
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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    Greg Lockrey

    Wealth is a state of mind.
    Money is just a tool.
    Happiness is pedaling +25mph on a smooth road.



  4. #4

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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    You need something called 'spring steel' - and from what I recall - it needs to be heated/hardened after being cut. A competent machine shop can do this. I needed to do the same thing once - to a nearly identical camera belonging to a neighbour, which I was borrowing (first 4x5 experience) and got hit by a truck during a long night exposure. Little story there...

  5. #5

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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    Danke.

  6. #6

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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    Have you tried calling Calumet? They still have some parts for their older cameras, maybe you'll get lucky.

  7. #7
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    Last time I checked, Calumet still had virtually all the parts still in stock. The springs from the bail back come in two lengths. They are interchangeable. I get the long bail springs, because it gives you more room to slide say Polaroid pack film backs in. We use these so heavily that they break often. as a result I double up the springs cutting off the loops on the top one.
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  8. #8

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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    Will do. Thanks.

  9. #9
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Re: Wanted:Replacement springs for a Calumet rail

    If my use of them is a little confusing, email me when you get them and I will walk you through it.
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

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